Trafficker detained near Sinemorets
The District Prosecutor's Office in Burgas has brought criminal charges against a Turkish citizen for a crime against the border regime of the Republic of Bulgaria. The man has been detained for a period of up to 72 hours after attempting to illegally transport 15 foreign nationals across our maritime border.
The incident occurred on May 15, 2026, when the vessel was detected by law enforcement authorities in the Black Sea.
Case details
- Location: 10 nautical miles east of the village of Sinemorets and 5 miles north of the border with Turkey.
- Migrants: The group consists of individuals from Afghanistan, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia.
- Actions: The boat was intercepted by "Border Police" teams.
The charges were brought under Article 280 of the Penal Code, which provides for strict penalties for the illegal transport of persons across the border by motor vehicle. The Prosecutor's Office is preparing a request for a permanent "remand in custody" measure.